Review - Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas

Series: Throne of Glass (#5) 

Genre: Fantasy

Age Group: Young Adult

Hardcover - 693pgs

Source: Purchased 

Published - 2016

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Rating: 3/5

The long path to the throne has only just begun for Aelin Galathynius as war looms on the horizon. Loyalties have been broken and bought, friends have been lost and gained, and those who possess magic find themselves at odds with those who don't.


With her heart sworn to the warrior-prince by her side, and her fealty pledged to the people she is determined to save, Aelin will delve into the depths of her power to protect those she loves. But as monsters emerge from the horrors of the past, and dark forces become poised to claim her world, the only chance for salvation will lie in a desperate quest that may mark the end of everything Aelin holds dear.

So just a few things that were good. I like that we continue to learn about the world and the people who live on the continent. It was interesting to see the dynamic between magical and non-magical people now that the magic has been released. I like how random characters turn up again.

HOWEVER. I was frustrated and really disapointed by this book. I have left this book languishing on my shelf for years because I've heard a lot of mixed things and if I wasn't already five books in, I would probably give up on this series. As it is, I only have two more books and I'm too invested in Manon and Lyssandra to give up now.

I'm disappointed we focused so heavily on the romance during this book. Here's the real question though, why? I loved Maas's focus on the romance aspects of A Court of Mist and Fury. She does write interesting characters and creates sexual tension. So why did I hate it in this series?

Because it got in the way of the plot and the character development.

This series is volatile and we are leading up to great violence and battle, I expect, for the last book. However, everyone in this book is focused on sex and romance when many of them never were before? Several of them have survived trauma, but they are focused on romance? The plot doesn't advance very far. We once again spend most of the book traveling and being confused how Aelin will defeat the Valg.

I was unimpressed and seriously disappointed. Characters can be friends, they can work together and they can travel in mixed company without falling in love. Friendship is a real thing.

Also every relationship is a hertosexual one. Maas did mention one gay relationship and one character who could be bisexual. However, those felt like Maas throwing a bone to the LGBT community. None of those relationships are written on the page or currently happening in the series. Both instances were only mentioned in passing. Again, not impressed.

The ending also felt so much like her other series. The format and plot points seemed very similar. Throughout the book the tension and build up felt incredibly similar to ACOMAF. The plot points weren't the same, but the way they were written and the big reveals were very similar. Because her characters have escaped some nasty circumstances before, I'm not worried going into this last book based on what I've read from her before.

Overall, while I like many of the characters (Lyssandra, Manon & Elide especially) I'm really frustrated with this series. I'm hoping Tower of Dawn will redeem a few of these flaws for me, but I'm not expecting it to be different as far as romance goes.

My Review of ⇨ The Diviners by Libba Bray